Naples in Veils (2017) by Ferzan Özpetek: A City of Secrets, A Love Veiled in Mystery

Short Summary: A Night of Passion, A Lifetime of Questions The film is a mesmerizing mystery thriller centered on Adriana, a medical examiner in Naples. After a night of intense passion with a mysterious, charismatic man, she discovers he has been brutally murdered. As she begins a desperate search for his identity and the truth behind his death, she is drawn into a dark web of secrets and illusions, confronting her own past and the hidden, mystical side of the ancient city of Naples.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6892206/

Link Review: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/naples-veils-film-1071228/

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/naples-in-veils (US), https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/naples-in-veils (Australia), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/naples-in-veils (Canada), https://www.justwatch.com/it/film/napoli-velata (Italy), https://www.justwatch.com/de/Film/Das-Geheimnis-von-Neapel (Germany)

Detailed Summary: The Ghost of a Lover

• The Encounter: Adriana (Giovanna Mezzogiorno), a pathologist, meets Andrea (Alessandro Borghi), a captivating young man, at a party and spends a passionate night with him.

• The Body: The next day, she is called to the scene of a brutal murder. To her horror, she discovers the victim is Andrea, the man she was with just hours before. The body, however, has a distinct tattoo that her lover did not have.

• A Mysterious Doppelgänger: As Adriana investigates, she becomes convinced that the man she slept with and the man who was murdered are two different people. Her search for the truth leads her to believe that her lover is still alive, haunting her in the shadows of Naples.

• The Past and Present Collide: Adriana's investigation forces her to confront personal traumas from her past, particularly her relationship with her deceased mother. The film weaves together themes of mystery, sexuality, and the supernatural, all set against the backdrop of Naples's ancient superstitions and hidden beauty.

Director's Vision: Naples as a Character Ferzan Özpetek's vision for Naples in Veils was to use the city of Naples itself as a central character in the film. He aimed to portray the city as a labyrinth of secrets, a place where reality and magic coexist, and where every street corner holds a story. Özpetek sought to create a film that was not just a thriller, but a deep exploration of loss, memory, and the healing power of confronting one's past. He wanted to use the "giallo" genre to tell a very personal story about a woman's journey to self-discovery, all while paying homage to the city's unique cultural and historical significance.

Themes: Memory, Desire, and the Supernatural

• Grief and Memory: A core theme is Adriana's process of grieving her mother and her mysterious lover. The film explores how memory can be a powerful and unreliable force, shaping our perceptions of both the past and present.

• Desire and Obsession: The film delves into the intensity of desire and how it can quickly turn into a dangerous obsession. Adriana’s search for her lover is driven by a mix of passion, guilt, and a desperate need for answers.

• The Mysticism of Naples: Naples is not just a location; it's a character embodying mysticism, superstition, and an ancient connection to life and death. The film uses Neapolitan folklore and traditions to heighten the sense of mystery and the supernatural.

• The Duality of Identity: The film explores the idea of doppelgängers and split identities, both in the mysterious figure of Andrea and in Adriana’s own internal struggles.

Key success factors: Atmospheric Cinematography and a Strong Performance

• Stunning Visuals: The film's success is largely attributed to its breathtaking cinematography, which captures the dark beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Naples, creating a powerful sense of place that is integral to the story.

• Giovanna Mezzogiorno's Performance: Giovanna Mezzogiorno delivers a captivating and emotionally raw performance as Adriana, anchoring the film with her compelling portrayal of a woman on the edge of a breakdown.

• A Unique Blend of Genres: The film is praised for its successful fusion of genres, blending the suspense of a murder mystery with the emotional depth of a psychological drama and the atmospheric feel of a gothic thriller.

• Ferzan Özpetek's Direction: Özpetek's signature style of storytelling, which often focuses on complex relationships and emotional truths, is on full display and is a key reason for the film's critical success.

Awards and Nominations: A Critical Darling The film was highly recognized at the 2018 David di Donatello Awards, Italy's most prestigious film awards. It received 11 nominations and won two awards for its outstanding contributions: Best Cinematography and Best Production Design.

Critics reception: A Lush, Divisive, and Beguiling Mystery

• The Hollywood Reporter: A review from The Hollywood Reporter praised the film's "lush production values and sumptuous sense of style," but also noted that its convoluted plot might leave some viewers "cold." They called it a "compellingly seductive mystery" but also a "disorienting" narrative.

• Variety: Variety highlighted the film's success as a "sensuous, atmospheric psychological thriller." They praised Özpetek for his ability to use the "city’s dark, labyrinthine beauty to create a mood of feverish obsession."

• Overall Summary: The critical consensus is that Naples in Veils is a visually stunning and deeply atmospheric film that is either a masterful, dreamlike mystery or a frustratingly obtuse narrative, depending on the viewer. It is widely acknowledged for its style, performances, and the way it uses its setting to create a unique mood.

Reviews: A Polarizing but Fascinating Film

• IMDb: User reviews on IMDb show a mixed reception. While some viewers rate it highly for its aesthetics and suspense, others express frustration with the narrative's complexity and ambiguous ending.

• Letterboxd: On Letterboxd, the film is often praised as a visually beautiful and haunting experience. Many viewers appreciate the film for its unique atmosphere and the way it uses the city of Naples as a powerful force in the story, even if they were confused by the plot's twists.

• Overall Summary: The general audience sentiment reflects the critics' reception: the film is a fascinating, if sometimes confusing, journey. It resonates most with those who appreciate style and atmosphere over a straightforward plot, and its polarizing nature is often seen as a sign of its artistic ambition.

Why to watch this movie: A Visual Feast with a Haunting Mystery

• For a Giallo Revival: If you are a fan of classic Italian "giallo" films, this movie offers a modern, stylish take on the genre, full of psychological suspense and moody atmosphere.

• Stunning Cinematography: The film is a visual masterpiece, beautifully shot in the city of Naples, making it a feast for the eyes and a great choice for those who appreciate aesthetic filmmaking.

• An Emotional Character Study: Beyond the mystery, the film is a powerful story about a woman's emotional journey through grief and obsession, anchored by a strong lead performance.

• A Journey into a Mystical City: The movie offers a unique look at Naples, exploring its rich history, traditions, and superstitions in a way that feels both authentic and magical.

What Movie Trend film is following: The European Arthouse Thriller Naples in Veils is a prime example of the European arthouse thriller trend, which combines a genre-driven plot (like a mystery or crime story) with a strong artistic and psychological sensibility. These films prioritize mood, atmosphere, and complex character studies over traditional plot mechanics.

What Big Social Trend is following: The Modern Exploration of Grief and Sexuality The film taps into the social trend of more open cinematic explorations of grief, memory, and female sexuality. It portrays a woman's desire and obsession as a valid and powerful force, and explores her grief in a way that connects it to her own identity and self-discovery.

Final Verdict: A Visually Striking and Hypnotic Psychological Thriller Naples in Veils is a visually striking and hypnotically atmospheric psychological thriller that uses its stunning Neapolitan setting to weave a tale of love, loss, and obsession. Ferzan Özpetek has crafted a film that is more of an experience than a straightforward narrative, and while its plot may be challenging for some, its sheer beauty and emotional power make it a uniquely captivating piece of cinema. It is a must-watch for those who appreciate films that prioritize mood and artful storytelling.